Welcome to our third edition of our ‘An Interview with our Family Team’ series! In this edition, we meet Harriet Wigmore, Kai Whicker and Tyler Richards from our Exeter and Cornwall offices.
Harriet Wigmore
Harriet is an associate in the Exeter office who specialises in the resolution of financial matters upon the breakdown of marriage. Some of Harriet’s work has involved family companies, farms and financial contributions from relatives.
Hardworking, compassionate and commercial are a few words which spring to mind describing Harriet.
What experience do you bring to your role and how does it help?
I have now had nearly ten years working with some of the most complicated cases, some of the best family law solicitors (objectively!), and some of the most experienced barristers and other experts. It means that, when a thorny issue comes along, you take it in your stride, and, even if you haven’t come across it before, you are able to deal with it efficiently and effectively.
Describe your role within the team and what do you like most about it
In the team I am known as the “Buyback Queen” for my experience with share buybacks on divorce, and the “Conduct Queen” for my experience of running cases where conduct is relevant.
Describe a passion you have outside of work.
I have had an allotment for the last five years or so, where I grow flowers and fruit and veg. It’s my little bit of heaven, and I love watching the seasons change through the allotment. There’s always something new to learn!
What is something you have always wanted to do but have not yet done?
Go in a hot air balloon.
Kai Whicker
Kai is also an associate in the Exeter office who similarly specialises in advising clients in relation to their divorce and finances but also in relation to their child arrangements. Kai has a wide range of experience including representing military personnel and high net worth individuals.
Kai has been commended for his professionalism, confidence and his calm but hardworking approach.
What experience do you bring to your role and how does it help?
I grew up and qualified in the South East and worked in a couple of firms before moving to Exeter and joining Stephens Scown. It gave me exposure to a wide range of clients from those with modest assets, to those with higher value and complex financial arrangements. It also helped me understand the different approach taken by courts across the regions.
Describe a passion you have outside of work.
I can normally be found either watching Rugby, reading about Rugby, talking about Rugby or listening to a Rugby podcast. That, or walking my dog somewhere by the beach or on Dartmoor (listening to the aforementioned podcast).
What do you like about working for Stephens Scown?
It sounds cliché but it really is the people that make the firm. Being part of such a supportive and helpful team makes what can be a stressful job at times, enjoyable and fulfilling.
What area of family law do you find most fascinating and why?
I have a particularly keen interest in nuptial agreements. They are becoming increasingly common but I do think there is often a general lack of awareness of them.
Tyler Richards
Tyler is a solicitor in the Cornwall office. Tyler qualified in 2023 and already has a remarkable amount of experience which includes her assisting on a multimillion-pound financial settlement.
Tyler is admired by her colleagues as being strong, confident and hardworking.
What do you think clients should look for in a family lawyer?
Somebody who is approachable, knowledgeable and considerate. In my view there is no benefit to being overly aggressive/ combative in family law. The people we are working with were once a family and going through a divorce will be one of the most stressful times of their lives. The role of the family lawyer is to assist with reaching an agreement.
What do you think are your biggest strengths?
I like to think of myself as efficient and organised. This helps me stay in control of and on top of my workload, which makes for a good work-life balance and happy clients!
What is your biggest achievement in or outside of work?
Achieving a first in my law degree from the University of Exeter was a big achievement and something I will always remember.
Describe a passion you have outside of work.
CrossFit! I love keeping fit and strong. No matter what sort of day I have had, a CrossFit session always makes me feel better.
That concludes our third edition of our ‘An Interview with our Family Team’ series. We hope you enjoyed getting to know Harriet, Kai and Tyler from the team.
You can read the first edition of ‘An Interview with our Family Team’ here.
You can read the second edition of ‘An Interview with our Family team’ here.